Gary A. Nelson, age 67, of Breese, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026, at his home in Breese. He was born on June 11, 1959, at Scott Air Force Base, a son of Arvid and Marian (nee Hess) Nelson.
On June 9, 1979, he married Deborah L. Nelson (nee Willmann), in Albers, who survives in Breese.
Gary lived his life with a helping hand, a creative mind, and a heart full of generosity. If anyone ever needed a favor, a fix, or a friend, Gary was there—no questions asked, at any time of day.
He was a true renaissance man who found joy in the simple and the complex alike. In the kitchen and garden, he enjoyed baking and was a “candy man”—he loved peanut brittle and chocolate caramel toffee. Gary was a passionate inventor at heart, always dreaming up ways to make life more fun, he made a remote-controlled cooler caddy. His adventurous spirit truly took flight when he was riding his motorcycle, casting a line while fishing, or piloting his R/C airplanes. Gary’s warmth, sweet creations, and inventive spark will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
In addition to his wife, Gary is survived by his mother, Marian Nelson of Trenton; his children, Sarah Nelson of Breese and Laura (friend, Jason) Nelson of Highland; grandchildren, Jacob, Dakota, Kylyrr and Amber; siblings, Rick (Barb) Nelson and Denise (Bob Brown) Lampe; mother-in-law, Mary Jane (Norbert) Peters of New Baden and sister-in-law, Theresa (Mark Lee) Bowlin of Collinsville.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Arvid Nelson and father-in-law, Eugene Willmann.
Funeral Service will be on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese, with Deacon Tom Ritzheimer presiding.
Visitation will be Monday, August 10, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to wishes to the family (checks payable to Deb Nelson) and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. Fifth St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
